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Recognition. I think that’s very important. So many students work at 100% and really go above and beyond, but don’t see many accolades, particularly for good behaviors. In my classroom, I like to celebrate students who show kindness, good participation, and a positive attitude each week. So on Friday after school, I think back on each student’s achievements in these areas and decide which kiddos will walk in on Monday morning to these goodies (certificate, pencil, and stuffy mascot) on their desks. As part of our morning meeting, I share the reasons these students were selected and everyone joins in a special “clap” or chant. Then those three kids take their awards to the office to share the good news with our principal. The recipient can keep the mascot on his/her desk all week if desired, and I take them home on the weekend to wash.

In addition to these weekly acknowledgements, I also give daily awards. As I walk around the room and notice awesome effort, I mix both verbal and nonverbal praise. So while the class is busy working quietly, I might place a plastic trophy or “caution” sign on the corner of a stellar student’s desk. These remain on their desks all day, and when were are wrapping up at 3:00, award winners return the desk awards to the top of my filing cabinet for reuse the next day. And, yes, it is possible for a student to get more than one award in a single day.

This isn’t “big” stuff. But I don’t think we need to give kids big stuff. I prefer to do it often and sincerely. It’s a bit of extra work, but goes a long way in promoting best effort in some of the character traits we most desire our students to posses–kindness, engagement, and positivity.